India's Devendra Jhajharia bettered his own world record to win gold in the men's javelin throw F46 event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Devendra won gold in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with a record throw of 62.15 metres, becoming only the second gold medallist at the Paralympics for India, and improved upon it with an attempt of 63.97 metres at the Olympic Stadium. The 36-year-old is currently ranked third in the world.
Devendra competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar. Rinku finished fifth with a personal best of 54.39 metres in six attempts, while Sundar Singh Gurjar didn't start the event.
Devendra took India's tally at this edition of the Paralympics to four medals - two golds, one silver and a bronze.
The Rajasthan born athlete, with an amputated left hand, was awarded the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour. He was electrocuted while climbing a tree when he was eight years old and his left hand had to be amputated. But that didn't deter him from pursuing his dreams. The track and field star won gold at the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Lyon in 2013.
He last participated in the Paralympics 12 years ago. The F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions.
Devendra, who belongs to Churu district in Rajasthan, has been stationed in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for the past two years. “Away from the busy life, I was practising at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Gandhinagar for the last two years. I felt that the green surrounding there helped me recover so quickly after exhausting sessions,” Devendra, who holds a special post of paraathletics coach at SAI Gandhinagar, said.
“SAI Gandhinagar holds a special place in my heart and I feel it has played a big role in my Rio success,” the 2004 Athens Paralympics medallist said. Explaining about his designation as coach at SAI, Devendra made it clear that it is a special post created for him, and three others, as he is a paralympian and it does not require him to train others right now. “Till the time I am playing, I have to focus only on my training and not on coaching others. Only after I decide to retire, I will pass on my knowledge to others,” he explained.
Devendra's personal coach Sunil Tanwar also talked about their pleasant experience of Gandhinagar. “It is an ideal location for athletes as it is neither too hot nor too cold unlike Sonepat which is too cold in winters. Also, Devendra was provided with every help possible by SAI regional director RK Naidu. He got food according to his choice and requirements. We were given enough space on the campus to practise without any hindrance,” Tanwar said.
Tanwar revealed that Devendra had stuck a deal with him that if he won a medal in Rio, he will take a break from practice. “He will not pick up the javelin for two months now. After that, we will start preparing for the World Championship, to be held in mid-2017,” Tanwar said.
